Beef Week still in the black, but help needed

Retiring Beef Week co-ordinator Sue Serone said while Casinos 25th anniversary festival this year cost an extra $20,000, Beef Week is definitely not in the red.

And were definitely not insolvent, Sue said.

However, there are financial concerns surrounding the festival, and the worst case scenario is that Beef Week will not be held in 2007. But thats a last resort for the committee, which has put out an urgent call for more volunteers to aid the over-stretched team.

They are also looking for a new co-ordinator, as Sue only stepped into the role to fill the gap for one year. Three years later she is still there.

But I hold a full-time job as well as this, she said. I would like to see someone give it 100 per cent.

Salary would be discussed with any applicants and Sue said she would assist anyone moving into the role.

She said $109,500 had been spent on this years Beef Week, which was an increase of $20,000 on last year.

As well as additional entertainment there had also been increased costs around setting up crowd control barriers to meet ever more stringent Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Which is happening in most festivals these days, she said. Its just hard. We definitely do need more volunteers to help. This is a community and regional festival.

The next Beef Week committee meeting will be held on Monday, November 20, from 7.30pm at the Casino RSM Club, where the committee will decide whether or not to hold the festival in 2007. Sue said they were always looking for new members and new ideas.